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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.,

ALEXANDER JEFFERSON J ERNAGAN OF STARRVILLE, TEXAS, ASSIGNOR OF SIX-EIGHTHS TO ALBERT MARSHALL CLIN KSCALES AND BENJAMIN IREDELL EGERTON, OF SAMEPLACE.

CA'R-CouPLlNG.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 326,085, dated SeptemberB, .1885.

Application filed December 29, |884. (No model.)

To all whom it maydconcern:

Be it known that I, ALEXANDER JEFEER- soN J ERNAGAN, a citizen of the United States,`

Io the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to that class of carcouplers in which are used two spring latchcatches for coupling.

I The object of my invention is to facilitate the coupling of cars," prevent the loss and Inaiming of persons engaged in coupling them, an d as well to obviate the expense engendered by the old pinand-shackle system. 2c To this end my invention consists in novel features and combinations, which will be fully set forth in the ensuing specication, and by means of Which it automatically couples itself. i. In the accompanying drawing the figure is a side representation of two of my draw-heads connected by my improved coupler.

The same letters of referenceindicate identical parts.

The draw-head F is'substantially the same as those now in use. These draw-heads conneet by means of two spring latch-catches in each draw-head. The latch-catches B close over a rod at e. Thelatches areheld in drawhead by a rod the same as that over which they catch. This rod is shown by b. Thus it may be seen that should both springs of either draw-head be broken, and not those of the other, they would yet be held strongly enough to bear any ordinary strain. 4o

For nncoupling, ahand-lever is used, which is shown at A, to which is attached a ehain,d, which chain is fastened to the latch. This is thc same in each draw-head. The brakespring is shown at a. Thelever is supported when t-he draw-heads are nncoupled by a spring,f, and this spring is supported hy a Aspiral spring, e.

This automatic coupling is so simple in construction and its manner of operation that it 5c is unnecessary to prolong this explanation.

What I claim as my invention is- 1. A hand-lever and two chains as used in combination with the spring-latch catches.

2. A brake-lever attached to main lever, a spring and spiral to hold said main lever in place, and a chain to main lever attached to the spring latch catches aforesaid of each draw-head.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature '6o in presence of two Witnesses.

his ALEXANDER JEFFERSON JERNAGAN.

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